Recalls

5 million pools recalled after kid deaths in Florida, California, 4 other states

The deaths of nine toddlers have led to the recall of about five million above ground pools sold under three brands since 2002.

Monday’s U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice says: “The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool, posing a drowning risk.”

That, the CPSC believes, is how nine children from 22 months to 3 years old drowned in Florida, California, Missouri, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin from 2007 through 2022. The agency said it knows of three other times children used the straps to get into the pool.

An example of how a child can use the compression straps on to get into the recalled pools without supervision.
An example of how a child can use the compression straps on to get into the recalled pools without supervision. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

These were sold at big box retailers Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, online outlets Amazon, Wayfair, Funsicle, Summer Waves and the company websites. Some were sold at dead or dying chains Sears, Kmart, and Big Lots.

The recalled pools

Recalled pools are at least 48 inches high and were sold under the names below:

Bestway and Coleman models, 2008-2024: Power Steel, Steel Pro, Coleman Power Steel.

Intex models, 2002-2012: Metal Frame Pools, Ultra Frame Pools.

Intex models sold only at Intexcorp.com and Walmart, 2024-2025: Prism Frame Pool, Ultra XTR Frame Pool.

Polygroup models, 2006-2025: Summer Waves (2015-2025), Summer Escapes (2006-2015), Funsicle (2023-2025), Sand n Sun (2008-2011), Blue Wave (2014-2025).

Each company is offering a repair kit, essentially a rope that will attach to the support poles around the pool.

“The rope will maintain the structural integrity of the pool (a function previously served by the compression strap),” the recall notice says. “Consumers should first secure the repair and then cut and remove the compression strap from the pool.

Company contacts

Bestway can be reached at 844-593-4003, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time, emailed at BWrecallsupport5516@sedgwick.com or reached online at the recall portion of the Bestway website.

Intex can be reached at 800-549-8829, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time, emailed at recallhelp@intexcorp.com, or reached through the company website.

Polygroup can be reached at 888-621-4137, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., Eastern time, emailed at poolrecall@polygroup.com or go online to Polygroup’s recall page.

This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 11:13 AM with the headline "5 million pools recalled after kid deaths in Florida, California, 4 other states."

David J. Neal
Miami Herald
Since 1989, David J. Neal’s domain at the Miami Herald has expanded to include writing about Panthers (NHL and FIU), Dolphins, old school animation, food safety, fraud, naughty lawyers, bad doctors and all manner of breaking news. He drinks coladas whole. He does not work Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
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